rare earth metals are used in high deland used in everyday devices such as hybrids and air conditioners. this pushed up the international prices of the metals. the high cost forced some trading firms to stop buying rare earth metals from china. the decision by rare earth is likely to make it harder to procure the metals that may likely affect high-tech firms that have limited stocks of the rare metals. >>> here is a recap now of the latest market figures. >>> that is all for now in business news. catherine, back to you. >> thank you very much, ai. >>> the united states expressed fresh talks with north korea and geneva next week. the u.s. is skpreexpected to pr to halt. direct talks will be held on monday and tuesday. >> this is a continuation of the exploratory meetings to determine if north korea is prepared to fulfill its commitments under the 2005 joint statement of the six-party talks. and its nuclear international obligations as well as take concrete steps toward denuclearization. >> in the last direct talks, bozworth met foreign minister in new york in july. the spokesperson said